R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-2-5: Vacancies in other general offices.

In case of a vacancy in the office of secretary of state, attorney general, or general treasurer, from any cause, the general assembly in grand committee shall elect some person to fill the office; provided, that if the vacancy occurs when the general assembly is not in session, the governor shall appoint some person to fill the vacancy until a successor elected by the general assembly is qualified to act.